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Hi, I'm Shauna and I'd love to be your next Head of News! I'm a first year journalism student rather fond of yapping, so I'd love to help lead a team of yappers delivering the news. I've been with LSR since the beginning of the year doing news of the week and working with the news podcast and social media teams. I've really enjoyed it and I would love to be a part of continuing this team on. I aim to help grow our social media presence, particularly TikTok, and create a show or podcast around cultural news e.g. movies/music for those who want less heavy news on tho go!

I’m running for Head of News because I believe news should connect, inform, and uplift. With years of experience at LSR—from Safe Space, to launching a mental health podcast, to leading Daytime and presenting on Women’s Hour—I’ve always prioritised storytelling that makes people feel seen and understood. As Head of News, I’ll bring fresh ideas like The Regional podcast, spotlighting stories from across the UK, a monthly Positive News Bulletin to support student well-being, and accessible news packages that simplify the week’s top headlines. I also want to create spaces for open conversation around complex topics, inspired by formats like Middle Ground. I’m passionate about speech radio, I have a wide media diet, and I care deeply about making news that’s thoughtful, inclusive, and genuinely engaging. Let’s make news something students want to listen to.

As mentioned on the poster:

I believe I’m well suited for the role of LSR Head of News because of my extensive experience at the station and my deep commitment to storytelling that makes people feel seen, heard, and understood. In my first year, I was part of Safe Space and later created a podcast focused on mental health, connection, and making sure people’s stories are shared with care and empathy. I then became Head of Daytime, where I managed four core shows, including Women’s Hour, which I also presented. That show tackled socio-political issues affecting women—such as stalking—and engaged with recent conversations surrounding adolescence, diving into the complexities and nuance behind the headlines. I’ve had the opportunity to lead teams, shape meaningful content, and I’ve been recognised with awards like Best Presenter and Best Interview. News feels like the natural next step for me because I care deeply about impactful speech radio, I have a broad and thoughtful media diet, and I believe student news should inform and empower listeners in a way that’s both accessible and engaging.As Head of News, I have several ideas I’d love to bring to life that reflect my passion for accessible, meaningful journalism. Firstly, I’d like to launch a new podcast called The Regional, where students can share stories from their hometowns to spotlight what’s happening across the UK—not just in Leeds. It’s a way to broaden our perspective and create a more connected student audience. Secondly, I want to introduce a monthly Positive News Bulletin. There's a psychological principle known as the “three-to-one rule,” which suggests it takes three pieces of positive news to counterbalance one negative story. By highlighting uplifting news, we can support student well-being and show that the news doesn’t always have to feel overwhelming. Lastly, I’d love to create a new format inspired by Middle Ground on YouTube, where students with different views come together to have open, respectful conversations about complex or divisive issues. The goal would be to encourage thoughtful discourse and maybe even help people find common ground on tough topics. Together, I think these ideas could make LSR News a more dynamic, inclusive, and engaging space for listeners.

I would love to go for Head of News at LSR next year! LSR has given me so many amazing opportunities - I certainly wouldn't have gotten my dream placement without it - so would love to be able to give back and share my experiences.

Being in a position of responsibility and leading a team will be amazing for meeting new people and gaining new experiences and I can't wait to be back with a new bunch of talented people at the radio.

My aim is to bring my experience in audio and video editing, that I've gained whilst being away, to add to running an award-winning News team with all the great elements that it already has whilst adding some new ideas. Especially creating more direct, close links with other teams at LSR.

Thank you considering my application and can't wait to meet/see you all again next year!

Hi everyone, I'm Luca, an International History and Politics student and I'd love to be involved as one of your Heads of News next year. I've been heavily involved in Politics Hour this year and would love to take the role further! I'm always up to date with current affairs, especially international ones. Having a international outlook is so important for our news team as the university's student body is very diverse and represents people from across the world. It's also super important that students are kept informed about current affairs as it means so much for our futures. I've also loved how friendly and welcoming LSR has been, and I'd love to have a more active role in fostering the positive and inclusive atmosphere at LSR. I'm aware that current affairs can be very divisive, and I'm eager to try and make the News department a place where all feel welcome and valued as individuals.